System and method for producing massive amounts of elemental iodine

ABSTRACT

A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/278,741, filed Apr. 5, 2006, which is incorporated herein byreference.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to iodine production, inparticular to a system and method for producing elemental iodine.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diseases, such as, but not limited to, salmonella, often are found inchickens and poultry, such as those found on a chicken farm.Additionally, bacteria, such as, but not limited to, e coli, has alsobeen found on farms. Thus, there is a need to eliminate or reduce theseand other diseases and bacteria from farms and other locations. Thepresent invention is directed to addressing this problem and also helpsto purify drinking water systems and other system and provides a systemand method for generating or extracting active elemental iodine andintroducing the elemental iodine back into a drinking water system. Theuse of the elemental iodine generated by the present invention methodand system may also be beneficial for treating medical problems and forother uses.

3. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and system for thestorage of crystal iodine where it is use the system to create elementaliodine. The extracted elemental iodine can be used for different medicalneeds, such as but not limited to, treating wounds, protecting thethyroid glands from radioactive iodine exposure, disinfecting watersupplies, etc. The extracted elemental iodine is provided in an activeelemental iodine form and not iodides. Iodine is derived from a familyof halogens which include the following members, Fluorine, Chlorine,Bromine, Iodine, and Astatine. From this group elemental iodine is theonly one known to have the ability to disinfect or cure many diseases,and can be used to protect the thyroid gland from exposure to harmfulelements. The system does not require the use of electricity or complexmechanical elements in order to produce the active elemental iodine.

Generally, the present invention system and method permits a constantflow and extraction of elemental iodine through the contact of flowingwater with the stored crystal iodine. In a preferred but non-limitingembodiment, the system can include two housings (i.e. PVC, stainlesssteel, etc.) which can be tube shaped and can be approximately 1 inch toapproximately 6 inches or more in diameter. Though also not limiting,the walls of the housing can be approximately ¼ inch thick. The housingsare preferably connected in series with the first housing serving as aprimary unit and the second housing serving as a secondary unit. Thehousings can each be provided with a removable cap and are filed withcrystal iodine, which can be approximately 98% pure. The housings can bemounted or secured to a platform for easy handling.

The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from awater supply line to be back flowed or back pressured, through thepartial opening of a gate valve in the water supply line, where the backflowed water is redirected through a water entry line to the firsthousing. The back flowed water enters the first housing and contacts thestored crystal iodine causing the water to get iodinized (creating orextracting active elemental iodine). The iodinized water leaves thefirst housing and enters the second housing where it contacts thecrystal iodine stored therein which helps to stabilize the elementaliodine concentration. The extracted elemental iodine can be used formany purposes, some of which have been mentioned above. However, thedesired potency of the elemental iodine can be different from one use toanother. Thus, the system can be designed to provide the elementaliodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of controland/or metering valves and different travel routes for the elementaliodine out of the secondary housing. One travel route can include awater reentry line for introducing the extracted elemental iodine intothe water supply line. Another travel route provides a hose where theextracted elemental iodine can be directly applied and most likely in amore potent form as compared to reentry into the water supply line wherethe concentration of the elemental iodine is diluted.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and methodfor extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water withstored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodineinto a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elementaliodine available for an intended use.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE illustrates the present invention system for creating activeelemental iodine which is either directed back into the water supplyline or through a separate fluid line where it can be available in amore potent form.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As seen in the FIGURE the present invention provides a system and methodfor creating active elemental iodine and is generally referenced assystem 10. System 10 redirects water from a water supply line 20 throughone or more housings containing crystal iodine which forms elementaliodine upon contact with water. Water supply line 20 can be any type ofwater source, such as, but not limited to a main water line from waterplant, a garden hose (wherein threads on inlet 21 could be provided forconnecting the garden hose to system 10), etc.

The formed or generated elemental iodine (iodinized or iodinated water)can be mixed back into the water supply line to dilute the elementaliodine or the created elemental iodine can be directly administered,such as, but not limited to, through an outlet hose, where it can beprovided in a more potent or higher concentration form. As mentionedabove, system 10 can be installed within a water plant supply line,connected to a garden hose, etc. Where installed within a water supplyline, system 10 can merely create a break in the flow of at least aportion of the water from through water supply line 20 for use increating elemental iodine through contact with crystal iodine.

A water supply inlet 21 of system 10 can be in communication with watersupply line 20. Depending on the position of a valve 24 (i.e. gatevalve, etc.), water entering inlet 21 from water supply line 20 caneither travel through non-mixing water route or pipe line 22 and/ormixing water route or pipe line 23. Where mixing is not desired, valve24 is opened and valve 26 is closed causing water to travel throughnon-mixing water route 22 and to ultimately continue through watersupply line 20 unchanged as if the present invention system 10 was notpresent.

Where the creation of elemental iodine is desired, valve 26 is openedand valve 24 can be partially, but not fully, opened. The partialopening of valve 24 creates back pressure and causes a first portion ofthe water entering inlet 22 to continue through and out of water line 22unchanged, while also creating a backflow at valve 24 to direct aremaining portion of the water through water exit line 25 and valve 26and into tubing 28 to serve as an inlet line into a first cylinder orcanister 60 containing or housing an amount of crystal iodine 150.

Water exit line 25 is disposed before the point of location for valve 24in water supply line 22 and an iodinized water (having a level of activeelemental iodine in parts per million) reentry line 27 is disposed at apoint of location beyond valve 24 in water supply line 20.

First cylinder, canister, receptacle, vessel, housing, container, etc.(collectively referred as “Cylinder 60”) is provided with a water inletport having a tubing connection mechanism 62 provided towards the top offirst cylinder 60 wherein one end of tubing 28 is attached. Firstcylinder 60 is also provided with an outlet port having a tubingconnection mechanism 64 provided towards the bottom of the firstcylinder 60 for exiting the created elemental iodine (as discussedbelow) out of first cylinder 60. Disposed within first cylinder 60 is asubstantial amount of crystal iodine 150 which extends from at or nearthe bottom of first cylinder 60 up until it is at or near the top offirst cylinder 60.

First cylinder 60 can be provided with a removable cap 70 (i.e. threadedand screwed to first cylinder 60, snugly secured to first cylinder 60,etc.) which is sealed through an o-ring 71, gasket, etc. Removable cap70 permits access to the interior area of first cylinder 60 for adding afresh supply or additional crystal iodine 150. The amount of crystaliodine 150 contained within first cylinder 60 decreases through itsabsorption by the water flowing through first cylinder 60. Thus, afterenough much water passes through first cylinder 60, a new or additionalsupply of crystal iodine will be required to be stored within firstcylinder 60. By removing cap 70, access to the interior area of firstcylinder 60 is provided for supplying the new or additional amount ofcrystal iodine 150. Preferably, a new o-ring 71, gasket, etc. can alsobe provided each time crystal iodine is added to first cylinder 60and/or cap 70 is removed.

Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention topermanently attach cap 70 to first cylinder 60 (or not have a cap butinstead a permanent top) such that when it is time for a new supply ofcrystal iodine 150 the entire first cylinder 60/cap 70 is replaced witha new first cylinder 60/cap 70 having the fresh supply of crystal iodine150 contained therein.

The higher position of the inlet port to the outlet port on firstcylinder 60 causes the water entering into first cylinder 60 through theinlet portion to flow downward and contact a substantial portion ofcrystal iodine 150 prior to exiting out of the outlet port and intotubing 88 attached at a first end at the outlet port of first cylinder60. Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the inventionto reverse the positions of the ports such that the water enters fromthe bottom of first cylinder 60 and flows upward to exit out of theoutlet port of first cylinder 60.

A second cylinder, canister, receptacle, vessel, housing, container,etc. (collectively referred as “Cylinder 100”) is provided with an inletport having a tubing connection mechanism 102 provided towards the topof second cylinder 100 wherein a second end of tubing 88 is attached forreceiving within second cylinder 100 the elemental iodine created withinfirst cylinder 60. Second cylinder 100 is also provided with an outletport having a tubing connection mechanism 104 provided towards thebottom of the second cylinder 100 for exiting the further stabilizedelemental iodine out of second cylinder 100 (discussed in more detailbelow). Disposed within second cylinder 100 is a substantial amount ofcrystal iodine 150 which extends from at or near the bottom of secondcylinder 100 up until the crystal iodine is at or near the top of secondcylinder 100.

Second cylinder 100 can be provided with a removable cap 110 (i.e.threaded and screwed to second cylinder 100, snugly secured to secondcylinder 100, etc.) which is sealed through an o-ring 111, gasket, etc.Removable cap 110 permits access to the interior area of second cylinder100 for adding a fresh supply or additional crystal iodine 150. Theamount of crystal iodine 150 contained within second cylinder 100decreases through its absorption by the elemental iodine flowing intosecond cylinder 60 that was created within first cylinder 60. Thus,after enough elemental iodine passes through second cylinder 100, a newor additional supply of crystal iodine will be required to be storedwithin second cylinder 100. By removing cap 110, access to the interiorarea of second cylinder 100 is provided for supplying the new oradditional amount of crystal iodine 150. Preferably, a new o-ring 111,gasket, etc. can also be provided each time crystal iodine is added tosecond cylinder 100 and/or cap 110 is removed.

The directing of the elemental iodine created in first cylinder 60through second cylinder 100 increases the parts per millionconcentration of the elemental iodine and helps to stabilize or providea consistent concentration for the elemental iodine created by system10.

Though not preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention topermanently attach cap 110 to second cylinder 100 (or not have a cap butinstead a permanent top) such that when it is time for a new supply ofcrystal iodine 150 the entire second cylinder 100/cap 110 is replacedwith a new second cylinder 100/cap 110 having the fresh supply ofcrystal iodine 150 contained therein.

The higher position of the inlet port to the outlet port on secondcylinder 100 causes the elemental iodine created in first cylinder 60entering into second cylinder 100 through the inlet portion to flowdownward and contact a substantial portion of crystal iodine 150 priorto exiting out of the outlet port. Though not preferred, it is alsowithin the scope of the invention to reverse the positions of the portssuch that the elemental iodine enters from the bottom of second cylinder100 and flows upward to exit out of the outlet port of second cylinder100.

First cylinder 60 can be constructed similar or the same as secondcylinder 100 and for a system having more then two cylinders, all of thecylinders can be constructed similar or same. Additionally, systemshaving more then two cylinders can be connected in series communicationwith each similar to how the outlet of first cylinder 60 feeds into theinput of second cylinder 100.

An outlet pipeline 120, tubing, etc. is in communication with secondcylinder 100 through the second cylinder outlet port. A valve, such as ametering valve 92, is provided in outlet pipeline 120 for controllingthe flow of elemental iodine flowing out of second cylinder 100. Wherethe system is provided with a single cylinder, the outlet pipeline 120and metering valve 92 can be at the outlet of the single cylinder.Similarly, for a system having more then two cylinders, the outerpipeline 120 and metering valve 92 can be disposed at the outlet of thelast cylinder of the plurality of cylinders.

Metering valve 92 helps to control how much parts per million of activeelemental iodine will be in the water supply when the supply ofiodinized water is introduced into water supply line 20 through reentryline 27 beyond valve 24. Metering valve 92 can be provided with a seriesof numbers with each number representing or corresponding to a certainamount of elemental iodine in parts per million. Thus, an operatormerely turns a dial, indicator, etc. to the number corresponding to thedesired amount of parts per million.

The further stabilized active elemental iodine leaves the outlet port ofsecond cylinder 100 (or the last cylinder in a more than two cylindersystem) and can be directed for reentry into water supply line 20through reentry line 27. A valve 29 can be provided in reentry 27 tofurther control the flow of the iodinized water (elemental iodine). Asan alternative to having the elemental iodine reenter water supply line20, a hose or other connector can be attached at metering valve port 95.Thus, where the iodinized water (elemental iodine) is reentering watersupply line 20, a first end of the elemental iodine (iodinized water)reentry line 27 can be connected at a metering valve port 95.

For other applications of the iodinized water (elemental iodine), a hose103 with or without a sprayer 105, a dispenser, a tubing member, anotherwater line, etc. can be connected to metering valve port 95. To switchthe item to be connected to or at metering valve port 95, especially ifwater is still entering into first cylinder 60, metering valve 92 can bemoved to a “closed” position, to prevent the iodinized water (elementaliodine) from continuing to flow through. With valve 92 in a closedposition, the various items connectable to port 95 can be switched asdesired. Once the desired item (elemental iodine reentry line 27, hose103, sprayer, dispenser, etc.) is properly connected at port 95, valve92 can be moved to an “open” position to permit the flow of theiodinized water (elemental iodine). When hose 103/sprayer 105 isconnected at port 95, the flow of iodinized water (elemental iodine)flowing out of sprayer 105 can be controlled by an on/off valve 107.Additionally, where only reentry of the iodinized water (elementaliodine) into water supply line 20 is desired, the elemental iodinereentry line 27 can extend from the outlet port of second cylinder 100(or last cylinder of a more than two cylinder system) to the watersupply line 20 beyond valve 24. In this version a single valve can beprovided to control elemental iodine flow and the connection ofiodinized water reentry line 27 can be permanent (though such is notconsidered limiting).

In use valve 24 is turned such that water following through from watersupply 20 into high 22 creates a backflow to direct a certain amount ofwater through opening 26 into tubing 28 and into cylinder 60. The watergoing into cylinder 60 is exposed to and reacts with the crystal iodineand creates elemental iodine therefrom the exposure and reaction. Theelemental iodine then leaves cylinder 60 and travels through tubing 88until it reaches second cylinder 100. The elemental iodinized watergoing into cylinder 100 is exposed to and reacts with the crystal iodineto further stabilize the active elemental iodine. The elemental iodinethen leaves cylinder 100 and travels through iodinized water reentryline 27 back into the water supply, through hosing 103, or as otherwisedesired.

Where the iodinized water is fed back into the water supply line 20, itcan be mixed with water passing through valve 24 so that the potency orconcentration of the elemental iodine is diluted. The reduced potencyiodine can be effective in treating and killing many diseases known toexist in water supply lines and as fluid source to farm animals can beused as a treatment of diseases found in such animals, such as, but notlimited to, salmonella. Attaching hose 103 or another attachmentprovides the elemental iodinized water in a more potent form as it isavailable for its desired application without being mixed with regularwater flowing through water supply line 20. One non-limiting use for theelemental iodine applied from hose 103 can be for cleaning purposes suchas, but not limited to, spraying an area occupied by pigs to kill “ecoli” bacteria living in the area.

Though not show a two or more connection port can be provided for themetering valve port 95. Where a two port connection is provided (i.e.“Y” fitting, etc.), both the elemental iodine (iodinized water) reentryline 27 and hose 103 can be connected at port 95, and a controller canbe provided to select which elemental iodine travel route to open. Thecontroller could also be set up to permit both routes to be open at thesame time.

Though elemental iodine can be created from a single cylinder system andsuch system is considered within the scope of the invention, it ispreferred, though again not absolutely required, that at least secondcylinder 100 with its second amount of crystal iodine be provided inorder to produce a more stable and consistent elemental iodine.Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is also within the scope of theinvention that more than two cylinders containing crystal iodine can beprovided and preferably in series similar to how the first and secondcylinders described above are attached.

It should be recognized that the various water routes can be createdthrough pipes (metal, PVC, plastic, stainless steel, etc.), tubing,hoses, etc. and such terminology can be considered interchangeable withrespect to the above description and claims. Furthermore, a water travelroute can be created by any possible configuration (i.e. one long pipe,fittings, short pipes, tubing, hoses, with connectors such as elbows,“forty five” connectors, “T” or “Y” shape connectors, etc.) and all areconsidered with the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the presentinvention is not considered to any one type of valve and all valvescapable of controlling and directing water and elemental iodine flow asdescribed above can be used and are considered within the scope of theinvention. The various valves, fittings, pipes, connectors, housings(cylinders), etc. describe above can be preferably sealably connectedwithin the pipelines and water travel routes through conventionalplumbing techniques and all such techniques and components neededtherefore (i.e. gaskets, o-rings, welding materials, etc.) areconsidered within the present invention and are incorporated byreference. Additionally, though the invention is intended to be use witha water supply line, it is also considered within the scope of theinvention to pass through other types of fluids in addition oralternatively to water.

System 10 can be supported in position by any frame or support system.In one non-limiting example, brackets 131, braces, straps, etc. can beused to secure system 10 to a wall, structure, platform, etc.Additionally, the connection of system 10 within a water supply line maybe itself, provide enough support for system 10.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain termsand has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, person skilledin the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, willappreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to thespecific embodiments and modifications disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rightsto such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within thescope of the invention.

1. A method for creating active elemental iodine, said method comprisingthe steps of: (a) directing a fluid into a top portion of a firsthousing having a first amount of crystal iodine stored within the firsthousing such that the fluid contacts at least some of the first amountof crystal iodine to create active elemental iodine; (b) directing thefluid containing the active elemental iodine out of a bottom portion ofthe first housing; (c) directing the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine into a top portion of a second housing having a secondamount of crystal iodine stored within the second housing such that thefluid containing the active elemental iodine contacts at least some ofthe second amount of crystal iodine; and (d) directing the fluidcontaining the active elemental iodine out of a bottom portion of thesecond housing.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofdirecting the fluid containing the active elemental iodine into a watersupply line.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofdirecting the fluid containing the active elemental iodine exiting outof the bottom portion of the second housing directly to a fluiddispenser without first directing the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine back into a main water supply line.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein fluid is directed to the first housing in step (a) bycreating back pressure in a main water supply line by turning a valveprovided in the main water supply line between a first point on the mainwater supply line where the fluid leaves the main water supply line anda second point on the main water supply line where the fluid containingthe active elemental iodine is introduced back into the main watersupply line.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein fluid is directed to thefirst housing in step (a) by creating back pressure in a main watersupply through the partial closing of a valve in the main water supplyline.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said fluid is diverted from amain water supply line directly to the top portion of the first housing.7. A method for creating active elemental iodine, said method comprisingthe steps of: (a) directing a fluid into a top portion of a firsthousing having a first amount of crystal iodine stored within the firsthousing such that the fluid contacts at least some of the first amountof crystal iodine to create active elemental iodine; (b) directing thefluid containing the active elemental iodine out of a bottom portion ofthe first housing; (c) directing the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine into a top portion of a second housing having a secondamount of crystal iodine stored within the second housing such that thefluid containing the active elemental iodine contacts at least some ofthe second amount of crystal iodine; (d) directing the fluid containingthe active elemental iodine out of a bottom portion of the secondhousing; and (e) directing the fluid containing the active elementaliodine into a water supply line.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein fluidis directed to the first housing in step (a) by creating back pressurein a main water supply line by turning a valve provided in the mainwater supply line between a first point on the main water supply linewhere the fluid leaves the main water supply line and a second point onthe main water supply line where the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine is introduced back into the main water supply line. 9.The method of claim 7 wherein fluid is directed to the first housing instep (a) by creating back pressure in a main water supply through thepartial closing of a valve in the main water supply line.
 10. The methodof claim 7 wherein said fluid is diverted from a main water supply linedirectly to the top portion of the first housing.
 11. A method forcreating active elemental iodine, said method comprising the steps of:(a) directing a fluid into a top portion of a first housing having afirst amount of crystal iodine stored within the first housing such thatthe fluid contacts at least some of the first amount of crystal iodineto create active elemental iodine; (b) directing the fluid containingthe active elemental iodine out of a bottom portion of the firsthousing; (c) directing the fluid containing the active elemental iodineinto a top portion of a second housing having a second amount of crystaliodine stored within the second housing such that the fluid containingthe active elemental iodine contacts at least some of the second amountof crystal iodine; (d) directing the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine out of a bottom portion of the second housing; and (e)directing the fluid containing the active elemental iodine exiting outof the bottom portion of the second housing directly to a fluiddispenser without first directing the fluid containing the activeelemental iodine back into a main water supply line.
 12. The method ofclaim 11 wherein fluid is directed to the first housing in step (a) bycreating back pressure in a main water supply line by turning a valveprovided in the main water supply line between a first point on the mainwater supply line where the fluid leaves the main water supply line anda second point on the main water supply line where the fluid containingthe active elemental iodine is introduced back into the main watersupply line.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein fluid is directed to thefirst housing in step (a) by creating back pressure in a main watersupply through the partial closing of a valve in the main water supplyline.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein said fluid is diverted from amain water supply line directly to the top portion of the first housing.